If you remember – Shenlei Winkler has been mentioned in previous posts relating to her activities at Prim & Proper in Second Life but also relating to her partnership with IBM in the virtual product development project. Shenlei Winkler is the Director of the Fashion Research Institute.

Here is a link to a great video relating to the virtual product development project Shenlei Winkler has been working on with IBM….MUST WATCH VIDEO LINK>IBM Creates the Chic Accessory for Designers In Tuesday’s Random Acts of Fashion, Kristin Bentz shows how IBM’s virtual technologies can cut down on design costs.

Shenlei Winkler demonstrating virtual PLM solution.

Shenlei invited me to see the virtual (PLM) solution area that is featured in the video – some images of the visit are posted here….it was quite impressive. There were costing sheets, color swatches, multiple color and pattern presentations, and a 3D fashion product that you avatar could see from all angles. could instantly be made to modify the color and pattern as well as the product itself. This is cost effective quick response at “virtual warp speed.” As the video above states this virtual “real time” product development process “reduces the cycle time, reduces the error rate and reduces the cost.”